10 January 2025

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

Happy New Year! We hope that you had a restful holiday and are ready for an exciting year of new DCS projects and advancements. We launched some fantastic new modules and updates last year that included the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kola maps, the DCS: CH-47F, DCS: F-4E Phantom II, DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, Flaming Cliffs 2024, DCS: F-5E Remastered aircraft modules, many new campaigns, and countless updates to the DCS Core and modules. We are also delighted to have brought you new, free, high-detail Heavy Metal Asset Pack units! 

Grinnelli Designs have been refining the cockpit geometry, textures, and intricate detailing of the upcoming DCS: F-100D Super Sabre. They have also built an in-house physics simulation tool that streamlines flight model testing to ensure accuracy. Additional work spans key systems, including the AN/APR-25 RHAW, weapons and electrical components, damage modeling, and the Low Altitude Bombing System. Read their report below and check out the Development Screenshots. 

In case you missed it, SATAC 2025 is now open for registration until the 31st of January, 2025. SATAC is shaping up to be one of the premier PvP events in our community, bringing together top squadrons from around the globe for intense air-to-air combat. We are sponsoring 24 modules for this competition. Sign-up now!

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

DCS in 2024

A Look Back

We combined Open Beta and Stable into a single release version only at the start of the year. This meant more time to prepare new releases, test updates, and check fixes and new additions. We remained firmly committed to enhancing both core features and module specific improvements throughout 2024 with well over 500 core fixes and updates, nearly 130 of which addressed AI behaviors alone. We also rolled out substantial changes, enhancements and bug fixes for all of our products, for example: F-16C (200+ items), F/A-18C (150+ items), and AH-64D (nearly 200 items).

Q1 and Early Q2 Milestones

In late February, we boosted terrain scenery performance through optimized instancing and improved streaming. The AH-64D received its long-awaited Fire Control Radar (FCR), while the F/A-18C received a new pilot model and helmets. We also improved cockpit and external textures across most Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft, released a number of fixes for Combined Arms, and launched the “F-15C Aggressors” campaign. April saw more realistic G-effects, improved INS+GPS logic, and the new “Mi-24P Outpost” campaign. In early May, we unveiled the eagerly awaited DCS: Kola Map by Orbx.

Mid-Year Releases

Late-May brought the release of the mighty DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations, the “F/A-18C Operation Green Line” campaign, and the free Massun Asset Pack. We also introduced bomb fuse options, pilot model and animation updates for the F-16, and added new FCR modes to the AH-64D. In early June, the very capable DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior by Polychop Simulations arrived alongside the “F/A-18C Operation Mountain Breeze” campaign.

Summer Highlights

July featured the launch of the DCS: Afghanistan map and Flaming Cliffs 2024, complete with three new aircraft and campaigns. We also introduced a new launcher, a Select Role interface, and Dynamic Respawn, alongside AI performance refinements. Notably, the F-16C and F/A-18C radar systems were updated to address false targets, while the Supercarrier gained an Airboss (PriFly deck) feature. In August, we released the DCS: CH-47F, improved the cargo system, introduced a route tool for Select Role, and added the RMAP FCR Mode to the AH-64D.

Fall Advancements

Late September saw significant technology improvements, including the removal of the single-threaded version, the introduction of new Spotting Dots, and major performance optimizations. We enhanced terrain VRAM usage and implemented radar shadows for ground radar in the F-16C, F/A-18C, and AH-64D. Additionally, we rolled out crucial CH-47F features and fixes and substantial updates to the Syria map. October brought our first-ever campaign-only patch and then two new campaigns later in the month, along with F/A-18C loadout enhancements, an AH-64D FCR Air Targeting Mode, and more CH-47F improvements.

Year-End Updates

December opened with the DCS: F-5E Remastered update, new fog/dust and volumetric lighting, a revised selection tool for the Mission Editor, three campaigns, and new features to the Supercarrier deck crew. Shortly thereafter, we launched the DCS: Iraq map. Finally, on Christmas Eve, we delivered high-resolution Heavy Metal Assets for free, a major update to Spotting Dots, critical HUD and FM improvements for the F-16C, and pivotal FM and VRS and flight model enhancements for the AH-64D.

2025 and Beyond

We would like to extend our sincere thanks for your continued support and dedication throughout 2024. We remain committed to enriching DCS. Please stay tuned for the 2025 and Beyond video coming very soon!

F-100D Super Sabre

Development Report

The F-100Ds’ development team, Grinnelli Designs, recently traveled again to Texas to work with the Collings Foundation’s F-100 Super Sabre. This unique opportunity allowed them to capture authentic cockpit audio during flight, preserving the raw and immersive sounds of this iconic aircraft. Please watch the F-100D Dev Log: The Road to Realism - Part 2.

Beyond their work in Texas, they have been focusing on refining the cockpit model. By enhancing the geometry and textures they have ensured that even the most intricate details are represented with precision. 

Grinnelli Designs has made substantial improvements to testing and verifying the flight model through the implementation of in-house physics simulation tools. This allows them to quickly verify the accuracy of any changes to the flight model. Work has taken place in other areas such as the “Hun’s” unique Radar Warning Receiver (AN/APR-25 RHAW), Weapons Systems, Electrical Systems, Damage Model, Low Altitude Bombing System, and much more. 

“These efforts define our commitment to creating a highly realistic and immersive experience that reflects the legacy of the F-100 Super Sabre. Thank you for your continued support.” 

 - Grinnelli Designs

SATAC 2025

Tournament

The 51st PVO Regiment proudly announces SATAC 2025. SATAC, short for Squadron Air to Air Championship, is an annual event set to provide a prestigious platform for competitive Air-to-Air sportsmanship, welcoming all squadrons and airframes to participate! The inception of SATAC dates back to 2011, and the tradition continues as we invite all competitive Air-to-Air squads to compete against the finest that DCS has to offer in a highly immersive and realistic combat environment. Our format is designed to promote the utilization of various aspects of the simulation, including different weapon types (ARH/SARH/IR) air-to-air missiles, dissimilar air combat training (DACT), and the full range of modern DCS aircraft, each playing its unique role in SATAC 2025. Please sign up now!

Once again, all our very best wishes of health, love and happiness to you and your families for the year ahead. Thank you for all you do to support our work, we really appreciate it. Here’s to a great 2025!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics